Children of Late Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Honor His Legacy

Family members share emotional tributes a day after Jackson's passing.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The adult children of the late Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. gave an emotional tribute on Wednesday, honoring the legacy of the renowned civil rights icon who died the previous day at his home in Chicago. Jackson's children, including U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, remembered him not only for his decades-long work in civil rights but also for his role as a spiritual leader and father.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and continuing the fight for racial equality and social justice for over 50 years. His passing marks the end of an era, and his family's tributes highlight the profound impact he had both publicly and personally.

The details

Jackson died at the age of 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder. His children, including his youngest son Yusef who oversees the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition organization that Jackson founded, shared stories and reflections on his life's work and his role as a father. The family said Jackson's funeral services will be held next week, with him lying in repose at the Rainbow/PUSH headquarters in Chicago before a larger service at a church.

  • Jackson died on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The family's tribute took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, the day after his passing.

The players

Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

A renowned civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and continued the fight for racial equality and social justice for over 50 years until his death.

Jonathan Jackson

One of Jesse Jackson's adult children, who is a U.S. Representative.

Yusef Jackson

Jesse Jackson's youngest son, who oversees the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition organization that his father founded.

Santita Jackson

Jesse Jackson's eldest child.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

Jesse Jackson's eldest son, a former U.S. Congressman.

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What they’re saying

“Our father is a man who dedicated his life to public service to gain, protect and defend civil rights and human rights to make our nation better, to make the world more just, our people better neighbors with each other.”

— Yusef Jackson, Youngest son of Jesse Jackson (ksgf.com)

“Our father took fatherhood very seriously. It was his charge to keep.”

— Santita Jackson, Eldest child of Jesse Jackson (ksgf.com)

“If his life becomes a turning point in our national political discourse, amen. His last breath is not his last breath.”

— Jesse Jackson Jr., Eldest son of Jesse Jackson (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Jesse Jackson's funeral services will begin next week, with him lying in repose at the headquarters of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago before a larger service at a church.

The takeaway

The emotional tributes from Jesse Jackson's children highlight the profound impact he had as both a civil rights leader and a devoted family man. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire the ongoing fight for racial equality and social justice.